Neck Dissection (Removal of Neck Lymph Nodes)
Neck dissection is a surgical procedure to remove lymph nodes in the neck. These nodes play a vital role in the immune system by defending the body against infections and diseases. However, in cases like cancer, lymph nodes can serve as pathways for the disease to spread throughout the body. Neck dissection becomes crucial in such scenarios.
Why Is Neck Dissection Necessary?
Lymph nodes can harbor cancer cells. Neck dissection is typically recommended for the following reasons:
- Diagnosing cancer: To determine whether the lymph nodes contain cancer cells.
- Controlling disease: To reduce the risk of cancer spreading.
- Completing treatment: To remove residual cancerous tissue after radiation or chemotherapy.
- Preventing recurrence: To minimize the chances of the disease returning.
For head and neck cancers, this surgery is a critical step in both treatment and staging.
How Is the Surgery Performed?
Neck dissection is performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the neck and removes the lymph nodes. The extent of the surgery depends on the spread of the disease:
- Selective Dissection: Only the lymph nodes most likely to be affected by cancer are removed.
- Modified Radical Dissection: A larger area is cleared, but certain muscles and nerves are preserved.
- Radical Dissection: Nearly all lymph nodes on one side of the neck are removed, along with potentially affected muscles, blood vessels, and nerves.
A drain may be placed during surgery to prevent fluid buildup in the surgical site, which is usually removed a few days later.
Post-Surgery Care
After the surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. During this time, doctors closely monitor your recovery and may provide the following recommendations:
- Pain and infection management: Antibiotics and pain relievers are prescribed.
- Wound care: Instructions on how to clean and protect your stitches are given.
- Physical therapy: Gentle exercises to restore shoulder and neck mobility may be suggested.
Possible Side Effects
Neck dissection can lead to some side effects, which are often temporary but can sometimes be permanent:
- Bleeding: Mild bleeding under the tissue can occur.
- Swelling (Lymphedema): Fluid buildup can cause swelling in the tissues.
- Stiffness in the neck or shoulder: Limited movement may be experienced.
- Infection: Redness, pain, or discharge at the wound site.
- Fluid accumulation (Seroma): Fluid may collect at the incision site.
- Cosmetic changes: Visible changes in the neck’s appearance and skin.
- Restricted shoulder movement: Difficulty in moving the shoulder.
Your doctor will guide you on managing these side effects. For instance, lymphedema may require special massage techniques, or fluid buildup might need drainage.
Outcomes of Surgery
The lymph nodes removed during the dissection are examined pathologically. The results play a significant role in planning further treatment:
- Negative result: No cancer cells are found, indicating the disease has not spread to the lymph nodes.
- Positive result: Cancer cells are detected, requiring additional treatments.
These results help determine the cancer stage and the appropriate treatment approach. Your doctor will provide guidance throughout this process.
Neck dissection is a crucial step in controlling the disease and planning its treatment. If this surgery has been recommended, don’t hesitate to discuss all the details with your doctor. Being informed at every stage of the process can help you feel more at ease.
